Combined desk and seat unit



.30, 1955 R. .1. SILYERMAN 2,716,440

COMBINED DESK AND SEAT UNIT Filed Aug. 11 1949 V INVENTOR. Jiado9ch 1f 56 Zvefiman This invent-ion relates, in 8611617815) new and useful improvements in combination furnitune,..and haswparticular relation to a combined desk and seat unit.

The combined desk and seat unit according to the present invention is particularly adapted for use in school rooms and the like. It is to be understood, however, that this new and improved combined desk and seat unit is not limited to such use but may be employed elsewhere as suitable or desired.

One of the main objects of the present invention is to provide novel and improved means whereby at least one of the desk and seat members may be adjusted toward and away from the other member to meet the comfort and requirements of the occupant, and wherein the member so adjusted is effectively secured in any adjusted position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved adjustment mechanism wherein any desired amount of adjustment may be obtained with ease and facility, and which shall in no manner impair the desired stability of the adjustable member in use, or disfigure the desired appearance of the combined desk and seat unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved adjustment mechanism which, while shown applied to the desk, may be applied equally well to the seat of the combined desk and seat unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved form of combined desk and seat unit, and, more particularly, an improved adjustment mechanism of the class described having various features of novelty and advantages, and which is characterized by its simplicity in construction, its economy in manufacture and assembly, and its eifectiveness in use.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate the manner of constructing and using illustrative embodiments of the invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a combined desk and seat unit embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary enlarged bottom plan view partially in section of the desk shown in Figure 1, showing the adjustment mechanism in bottom plan view; and

Figure 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken on the line 33 of Figure 2.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral 1 denotes a main supporting base having feet 2 which rest, for example, on the floor. The base 1 has a pair of suitably spaced bosses 3 and 4 which carry upright desk and seat supporting standards 5 and 6 respectively. The standards 5 and 6 comprise extension standards 7 and 8 which are adjustable vertically, for example, by telescopic adjustment in the lower standard parts 5 and 6 and may be secured in any desired vertically adjusted position, for example, by suitable clamp means at 9 and 10 respectively.

The mechanism providing for vertical adjustment of 2,716,440 Pai'tented Aug. 30, 1955 2 t. the 'de'sk and seat per se forms no part of the present invefntion,- 'and"thereforethe foregoing description in this respect will sufiice. 3 a :The seae comprises a seat part 11 mountedat 12 on the upper end of the-extension standard. S and provided witha back 132 The form of the seat may vary'widely within the'scope of thepresentinvention. 3

. 'lihe form of thedesk, indicated in itsentirety at 14, maymalso varywidely within the scope of the present invention. ;Thedesk shown in the drawings comprises a boxor compartment formingstructure 15 for books'and the like having an,.upwardly swingablecover 16 hinged at 17 to thebox or compartment-forming structure.

The mounting and adjustment mechanism shown in Figures 1, made comprises a bar 18 fixedly mounted, for example, at 19 on the upper end'of the extension standard 7 for the desk 14. The bar 18 is horizontally disposed and is of generally rectangular cross section so that the desk will be supported in the desired horizontal position and will be stable in its various adjusted positions, as will presently appear.

A channel member 20 slides horizontally on the bar 18 and has its upper surface secured, for example, by spot welding or in any other suitable manner to a pair of plates 21. The plates 21 extend in spaced relation transversely across the top of the channel 20, and are,.in turn, secured to the bottom of the desk 14. Where the desk is formed of wood or the like, the plates 21 may be secured to the bottom of the desk, for example, by screws 22 or the like. Where the desk is made of metal or the like, the plates 21 may be secured thereto, for example, by spot welding or in any other suitable manner.

The mounting and adjustment mechanism shown in Figures 1* comprises a bar 18 fixedly mounted, for example, at 19 on the upper end of the extension standard 7 for the desk 14. As before, the bar 18 is horizontally disposed and is of .generally rectangular cross section so that the desk will be supported in the desired horizontal position and will be stable in its various adjusted positions. The pin mounting of the bar 18 on the upper end of the tubular extension standard 7, as previously described, may be employed.

A lever 27 is pivoted at 28 to the bottom of the desk 14, for example, by pivoting it to one of the plates 21. This lever 27 extends across the bottom of the channel member 20 and has a longitudinal slot 29. A roller 30 is carried by a pin 31 fixedly secured to the bar 18. The roller 30 operates within and cooperates with the slot 29' as shown in Figure 3. The end of the lever 27 opposite the end pivoted at 28 carries a handle or finger piece 32.

In use, when it is desired to adjust the desk 14 toward or away from the seat 11, the finger piece or handle 32 is grasped in the hand and the lever 27 is swung in the desired direction. The lever 27, by its cooperation with the roller 30, operates in its swinging movement about the roller as a fulcrum to move the desk toward or away from the seat, as desired, by its pivotal engagement with the desk at 28. When the lever 27 is released, it serves to hold the desk in its adjusted position.

The embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be expressly understood that said drawing and the accompanying specification are not to be construed as a definition of the limits or scope of the invention, reference being had to the appended claim for that purpose.

I claim:

In a combined desk and seat unit of the type comprising a pair of spaced upright supports each having vertical adjustment independently of the other support, a supporting base extending between and joining the lower ends of said supports, a seat mounted on the upper end of one fixed against adjustment horizontally toward and away from said other support, means for supporting a desk upon said other support comprising, in combination, a single guide bar rigidly attached to and seating directly on the upper end of said other support for vertical adjustment therewith and projecting toward said seat, a channel member telescopically engaged with said bar for rectilinear movement therealong toward and from said seat, a desk having the bottom thereof rigidly attached to the top of .said channel member for movement therewith, means for moving said desk to the limits of its horizontal adjustment toward and away from said seat and to a plurality of intermediate positions, said means comprising an arm having fixed pivotal connection with said desk and operatively coacting with a pin carried by said guide bar for moving said desk toward and from said seat by swinging movement of said arm.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Turner May 6, Gage Nov. 15, Garland Aug. 16, Rowe Sept. 14, Menclenhall Feb. 20, Wheatley 16, Nichols '25, Ungerman-., May 24, Henrics'on Nov. 1, '-Stannard Dec. 20, Yawman Aug. 21, Merrill Aug. 8, Browne Mar. 31, Cramer Feb. 23, Hewitt Aug. 29, Morgan Apr. 17,

00m et a1 Dec. 25, 

